INEC Chairman Charges FCT Staff on Discipline, Timeliness Ahead of Area Council Polls
INEC Chairman Charges FCT Staff on Discipline, Timeliness Ahead of Area Council Polls
INEC Chairman Charges FCT Staff on Discipline, Timeliness Ahead of Area Council Polls
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has urged staff of the Commission’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) office to take full ownership of the forthcoming Area Council Elections, warning that any act of dereliction of duty would attract severe consequences.
Prof. Amupitan gave the charge during a readiness assessment visit and general meeting with FCT staff, describing the election as a critical test for the Commission and an opportunity to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
“You are the foot soldiers. The success of this election rests on how you perform your responsibilities,” the Chairman told staff, placing particular emphasis on Electoral Officers across the six area councils.
He reminded personnel that the Electoral Act, 2022 clearly stipulates sanctions for misconduct, including faulty declaration of results. “Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. We need to let everyone know that there are consequences for dereliction of duty,” he stated.
The INEC Chairman stressed strict adherence to the Commission’s guidelines, proper deployment of technology, and transparent result management. He urged Electoral Officers to proactively address challenges at the polling unit level to prevent avoidable disruptions.
Highlighting punctuality as a key performance indicator, Prof. Amupitan directed that all polling units must be fully set up by 8:00 a.m., with voting commencing by 8:30 a.m. as scheduled. According to him, early commencement would ensure polls close by 2:30 p.m. and results are concluded before nightfall.
“When you start on time, you close on time. That is the beginning of success,” he said, adding that any delays must be promptly communicated to ensure the Commission remains the primary and credible source of information.
On security, the Chairman disclosed that INEC had conducted a comprehensive risk assessment in the FCT, identifying flashpoints in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Bwari for special attention. He assured that the Commission was working closely with security agencies to guarantee a peaceful and credible exercise.
Prof. Amupitan also emphasized inclusivity, calling for special consideration for Persons with Disabilities to ensure they vote without hindrance.
Earlier, the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Aminu K. Idris, briefed the Chairman on the state of preparedness, confirming that all non-sensitive materials had been deployed to the six area council offices. He noted that staff training held from February 13 to 15, 2026, with additional sessions organized to address shortfalls in turnout.
Idris added that the Commission had requested additional support to ensure seamless execution of the election and expressed confidence that final staff deployment figures would be confirmed before the close of the day.
In her vote of thanks, the Administrative Secretary, Bimbo Oladunjoye, appreciated the Chairman for the visit and urged staff to take his message seriously.
“INEC is one. Let us continue to work together, give our best and make sacrifices for Nigeria,” she said, while commending the dedication of FCT personnel and calling for sustained inter-departmental synergy to ensure a successful Area Council election.
INEC Chairman Charges FCT Staff on Discipline, Timeliness Ahead of Area Council Polls
